In 1540, the Conquistadors brought these Spanish colors to the territory of New Mexico – red and yellow. The central symbol is a red sun with rays stretching out from it. There are four groups of rays with four rays in each group. This is an ancient sun symbol of a Native American people called the Zia. The Zia believed that the giver of all good gave them gifts in groups of four. These gifts are:
1. The four directions – north, east, south and west. 2. The four seasons – spring, summer, fall and winter. 3. The day – sunrise, noon, evening and night. 4. Life itself – childhood, youth, middle years and old age.
All of these are bound by a circle of life and love, without a beginning or end.
